papaglide 542 #1 Posted September 7, 2013 Today I had a 36"RD deck attached to my 417-A, doing some trimming. Half way thru I noticed that the engine sounded about half as loud and half as fast as when I started. I parked it in the barn and here's what happened: she sounded ok on start up. At full throttle the rpm's didnt sound as fast as normal. I engaged the tranny and the rpm's sounded like they dropped quite a bit. At full throttle, I engaged the Pto and she sounded as though she was at half speed: the engine sounded really slower than without any draw on it. I dont have any idea what could be happening here, anyone have any ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diesel cowboy 263 #2 Posted September 7, 2013 Try checking the compression and spark in both cylinders. Its also possible that the arm on the governer sliped and its not in adjustment to pull the linkage all the way to full speed. Those engines are known for throwing a rod and I've seen a couple that the coil or plug wires went bad. I had one at work that threw one and it didnt make the normal loud bang it just lost power and started running rough. Hope this helps. Stewart Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #3 Posted September 7, 2013 When my SeriesI died, it did the same thing. It ran but with a distinct loss of power. A quick check would be to look at the plugs. You may find a fowled plug. If you find this, unplug the other cylinder and with your finger over the plug hole while turning it over, feel if you have any compression from it. Depending on the cylinder, you may be able to see the cylinder head and see if it is moving. If this is the case, it is a good thing and in most cases makes for a none catastrophic failure allowing a rebuild since it is a Series II. They are worth saving. Hopefully it is a simple plug wire or a bad coil! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaglide 542 #4 Posted September 7, 2013 Thanks guys. I will let you know what I find. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #5 Posted September 9, 2013 Mike, as a 417-A owner myself please let us/me know what you find. My KT17 series 2 now has about about 865 hours on it. Its still running good, I mowed with it yesterday. The KT-17 engine has always interested me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaglide 542 #6 Posted September 15, 2013 I haven't really had a chance to get to it yet. I am going to dig into the engine this week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
